700 Miles from Sundance
Sundance founder Robert Redford, In Bruges director Martin McDonagh
and festival director Geoff Gilmore at the opening press conference.
(Image courtesy of IndieWire)
The 2008 Sundance Film Festival officially began Thursday, but my designer ski wear is at the cleaners so I’m not there. I haven’t decided if I’m going to shoot for daily coverage of one of the biggest cinema happenings of the year, but if I do, this is the first one. There are legions of bloggers and journalists running around Park City freezing their asses off and here is a smattering of interesting links to a few of them.
This is a few days old, but the Onion A.V. club looks back at the joys of the Sundance of yore with 10 festival favorites that changed filmmaking.
Cinematical’s James Rocchi offers up this interview with Michel Gondry whose Be Kind Rewind is receiving its premiere at the festival. He also covers Robert Redford’s festival opening press conference.
SpoutBlog introduces us to their Sundance video coverage as Joe Swanberg and Ronnie Bronstein explain their yin and yang approach to the festival.
IndieWire engages in the yearly ritual of lamenting that Sundance has become a celebrity and consumer driven crass-fest. They then try and tip the balance back in favor of the artists with, among other things, a series of interviews with first time directors whose films are screening at the festival:
- Daniel Branz’s Phoebe in Wonderland is ”a rich investigation of the complexities of growing up.”
- Matthew Stanton’s North Starr “follows an aspiring rap star…that witnesses the murder of his best friend.”
- Nacho Vigalondo’s Timecrimes is the story of Hector “an ordinary man slung into circumstances far behind his comprehension.”
In fact, you could do worse than making IndieWire a regular stop for overall Sundance coverage. They’re doing a good job of keeping an eye on the creative and business end of the festival with aquisitions and tons more first-director interviews.
Over at Hollywood Elsewhere, Jeffrey Wells enjoys Martin McDonagh’s crime movie In Bruges, the Sundance opener starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleason and Ralph Fiennes (“The best opening-night Sundance film I’ve ever seen”), but complains about not being allowed to see it before the festival and also the dumbed down marketing strategy. It would seem Jeff has his own yin and yang approach to the festival.
Premiere’s Glenn Kenney likes In Bruges as well, but uses it as an opportunity to reflect on the direction of the festival…and then he doesn’t.
Filed under: Film Festivals
I’m going back for another helping of TWBB tonight. I guess I’ve caught the bug. I just need to see it one more time before the nominations are announced on Tuesday morning.
What I wanted to state for the record is that I saw a trailer for In Bruges last Friday before the screening of PT’s opus. People were laughing so hard that I thought they were going to end up hurting themselves. It was tremendously funny. Brendan Gleeson & Peter Dinklage are such fabulous actors. I’ve never seen Ralph Fiennes (OH MY WORD…) play a character like that either. Working class bloke that’s not exactly the brightest bulb in the barn. As we all know around this joint, he mostly portrays intelligent sophisticates or romantic leads. Since SL, anyway. Looks like a jolly rocking good time.
Oh, & Craig…It’s ever so special that you have a pic up of the founder of Sundance, the man I’ve wholeheartedly adored my entire life.
That’s swell. *sigh*
I certainly hope In Bruges is as good as Wells is hyping it to be.
One thing about Wells is that unless it stars Bruce Willis or the excellent young Joseph Gorden Levitt, he’s going to love just about *any* crime drama. It seems he can’t help but do so. This can be good (Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, No Country for Old Men) and it can be bad (Miami Vice, American Gangster–the latter isn’t a *bad* movie but I remember reading the first reaction Wells had to it in the early fall and he was poised to give it Godfather-like status). There is just something about the genre, especially if it’s directed by one of his favorites (Michael Mann, Ridley Scott) that he cannot resist. He gets off on the *fumes*, you see, and feels more manly after the screening.
Wells doesn’t like Joseph Gorden Levitt?
Well, that seals his fate. He has absolutely no credibility left. Levitt is one of the most talented rising young actors, in my opinion.
To Wells, Joseph Gorden Levitt is “twitchy” and “annoying” or some such adjective. I agree with you that he’s one of, probably the most, talented young actor today that I can think of.
I hope you like round 2 of TWBB even more than the first Serena. I trust you’ll be back here telling us about it.
I’m a sucker for crime thrillers as much as anyone, especially caper films. But I don’t trust Wells’ opinion on much. He’s sweet on Mann and Scott and anything directed by Inarritu, Del Toro or Cuaron. He worships the seemingly macho creative types. Not low level like Tony Scott, but more elite.
Yeah Alison, Wells hates Levitt. One of his favorite whipping boys.
I’m not really on the comprehensive end on this, Craig. Maybe you & the *ahem* boys could do some explaining?
I can understand taking issue with someone’s opinions. After all, each of us has our own personal biases & preferences. We all have particular ideas about what’s good or bad in terms of art.
Though we all can have specific differences with the people that we’re close to, men & women that we don’t share a common world view with (for better or worse) are not the folks that we tend to have as friends, lovers or spouses.
So I hear (mostly men) complaining about Wells (particularly) & Poland. I keep hearing about what dicks they are. Don’t know a great deal about either & basically only read their blogs when there are interesting links on Kris’ site.
THIS IS NOT A CRITICISM. (I hasten to say.) But if Wells & Poland are such jackasses, why do you guys continue to read them? LOL
Just asking…
I usually read Wells because when he actually loves a film, he can be genuine fun. (Even if I end up disagreeing with him.) That, and because the comments people leave at his website are usually quite interesting or funny or amusing, such as Craig and Jeff McM and others.
I’ve met Wells a couple of times and I think much of what he does is sort of an act, in the sense that he is always looking for a bigger hit count and more responses to his sometimes wild/elitist/contrarian opinions on many matters. I make fun of him and his particular eccentricities largely because he kind of invites such behavior.
But, the vast majority of the time the actual discussions between commenters there is the most interesting aspect of his website and make my visits there worth it.
I think the last question is a good one. I generally don’t read either but it’s hard not to be directed to do so by the attention their most provocative and contentious proclamations evoke. It seems that being more dogmatic in one’s opinions is a good characteristic for success – as measured by the attention (and associated power) you garner. I think such people play an important role in the general mix of discourse. They stimulate others to clearly think through and articulate more reasoned and measured views about film art and industry.
Thanks, boys…
*raises eyebrow*
Those are intelligent, well considered views from the both of you & you make a lot of sense.
So Wells is being a provocateur for profit? If that’s the case it certainly would not be the fiirst time a person hid behind an image or made particular remarks to get a crowd goimg. These incidents have gone on for centuries & I doubt that they’ll stop any time soon.
Always good to know what you two think.
Serena, why is it you always evoke the image for me of Madonna channeling Marilyn Monroe in the video for Material Girl?
I envisioned Serena as a blonde Matty Walker posting her many thoughts on cinema with her laptop as she listens to the windchimes.
Wells is a funny animal because one gets the sense that for the most part he believes what he’s saying even if it may be ridiculous. Either he’s a better actor than I think (much of the time he’s obviously going too far just for the sake of attracting attention but it’s not always the case). For instance, this morning he essentially writes that Roman Polanski’s misdeed with the thirteen-year-old girl is just fine because he made Chinatown and Macbeth, damn it!
I read Wells and Poland because they get the traffic and the discussions are interesting, even if they’re often annoying.
sartre & Alexander, I crashed (HARD) this morning after a fabulous second screening of TWBB. So the above comments from you two are causing this enormous Cheshire cat grin. From ear to ear. sartre, you’re a wonder. I’ve adored Marilyn since I was little. Material Girl is one of my favourite music videos EVER. You are such a perceptive & lovely guy.
Let’s just say that I’m thoroughly floored & very moved. But you two have always been special to me. You guys are in the will now. Or at least the Oscar speech. LMAO
Would you like to hear the absolute truth? (Talk to Craig if you need confirmation.) I have an Irish background though I was born stateside. (Not in the US, though.) I had very dark hair as a child that eventually went quite red on me. So my blonde is a bit strawberry.
When I was a teenager & in my early 20s people used to tell me I looked like Elizabeth Taylor. Sometimes Vivien Leigh. But mostly Elizabeth – & I have seen some photos of Viv online (stills & awards ceremonies mostly – not so much GWTW) where she was a dead ringer for me when I was a brunette.
Obviously I don’t get those comparisons now with this light hair. If I had to think of a famous person who compares (my hair’s like KIm Basinger, but not her features) I’d have to say I look a wee bit like Scarlett Johansson. Same idea anyway. Including the bod.
Ask Mr. Kennedy. He’ll give you the straight goods…
If Wells really did say that (I’ll have to check his precise comments out), he should have his ass kicked.. HARD. I’ve never had the appalling, horrific experiences that some poor people have had. But I’ve been close to many that have had their entire lives ripped apart by this kind of childhood abuse. Polanski may have an excellent filmography (Chinatown, The Pianist, Repulsion…) but that doesn’t make up for reprehensible conduct IMO.
The audience at the Kodak theatre gave him a standing ovation when he won the Oscar. HE COULDN’T EVEN COME TO PICK IT UP. Of all the disgusting things that I’ve seen on AMPAS telecasts over the years, that was one of the most appalling. Suffice to say that if Wells had had a sister or a daughter that had gone through that torment (not to mention HIMSELF) he wouldn’t be making remarks like that.
I’m struggling to be polite cuz I’m posting publicly on a friend’s blog. But if you got me in private, you can just imagine what I’d say…
One more thing…
I gave Ryan my new numbers this morning & I’m VERY pleased & proud to see that Alexander has joined our little group. I don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder but I was thinking of mentioning to Ryan that you would be a excellent candidate, Alexander. Can’t think of many people (after lurking for years at various blogs & message boards – & doing the odd bit of posting now & then since 2006) that possess such a broad knowledge of film & have such resplendent intellectual fervour – along with fabulous taste & well considered opinions.
It’s a combination that you don’t find very often. I do see people with impressive minds & movie knowledge around. Now & then. LOL But for supposedly bright human beings they don’t know what the hell they’re talking about.
Alexander knows what’s going on. I’m delighted to welcome him to the party.
Thanks, guys. It’s always wonderful to be appreciated. Particularly by the both of you….
Oh, Jeff, didn’t mean to exclude you. This is not elitist territory. LOL
Thanks very much for your comment…
I’m 100% behind you with regards your thoughts and feelings about Polanski’s criminally abusive behavior, Serena. I feel just as appalled and angry by such celebrations of the man. But it raises an interesting ethical dilemma. I can’t applaud the man, not without him accepting responsibility for his criminal behavior and turning himself over. Yet I can enjoy many of the wonderful films he’s made since his offense. It creates dissonace and unease for me.
Crikey, Scarlett O’Hara and Scarlett Johansson! And more than a bit of the irish about you too. Explains the considerable gift of the gab.
If we knew about all the bear-baitings that Shakespeare organized we’d probably feel queasy about reading Hamlet, too.
Well, I only have one thing to say about the Polanski fiasco, and at the risk of sounding like a certain commentator over at A.D.: AMPAS (and Hollywood) has very questionable ethics. And very little credibility.
So, why do we all care about the Oscars again?
I read Wells because he attracts good commenters. Smart and frequently funny.
sartre, I’m glad to know that you agree with me about the Polanski debacle. Your opinion personally means a lot to me.
For myself as an individual, there is no gray area. But that’s the way I am. I am a very black & white chick. It’s a quality that has sometimes infuriated my loved ones. (But they’ll live. LOL) I am certainly never rude or unrefined. Though my language gets a bit graphic or colourful from time time.
But (generally speaking with me) this is how it is. This is something. That is something else. There is no in between. AT ALL.
This is the way I feel about it. (I’ll struggle to be polite.) Polanski is a complete zero as a human being. I know that he went through unspeakable tragedies. He lost most of his family in the holocaust. His beautiful wife, Sharon Tate, was murdered by Charles Manson’s cult. That’s truly horrific. I can’t even imagine the severe emotional wounding that events like that could cause.
But that excuses nothing.
If you’re an adult male, you don’t sleep with underage girls – & you don’t force them to have sex with you. (Actually, I think it’s pretty scuzzy for anyone over 30 to have sexual or romantic relationships with teenagers that are LEGAL. If they’re in their early 20s, fine. That may be young. But at 21-23 people are grown up. With teenagers I think it’s pervy. But that’s just me.)
The woman in question was interviewed around the time that Polanski was nominated for The Pianist. She said even though she was 13 at the time of the offence she was far from innocent (she had a much older boyfriend) & that she forgave him. I think for her own sake she thought it was better that she moved on with her life. I can totally understand that. But it still sticks in my craw. That was the only time he got caught. But was it the only time he ever did something like that?
Doesn’t Emanuelle Seigner have children with this man? *shudders*
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with appreciating Polanski’s artistry. He is clearly a talented man & he has made some excellent films. I personally don’t own any. But if any of them were big favourites I would definitely purchase them.
However, I think that that is COMPLETELY different than giving the guy an award. Especially when he can’t even step off the tarmac without being arrested. Enjoying & celebrating are two different things.
So…my two cents. Thanks for letting me rant….
Serena, your Internet elocution has me reeling in more ways than one. From your descriptive self-portrait to your views on Polanski… Wherever you go, calefaction follows… ahem, haha. ;-)
Polanski’s body of work is one of my favorites, from Repulsion to Rosemary’s Baby to Macbeth to Chinatown to The Tenant and Tess. Yet I have to agree that one cannot whitewash what he did, either. Goodness…
Mmmmm…
Calefaction, indeed.
I had forgotten all about Tess, Alexander. That’s a lovely film. Gorgeous to look at – & Nastassja is quite a compelling & fascinating hero. She’s a better actor now than she was. But she started very young. I used to think that she was rather like Marilyn Monroe. No notable technique or any actory flourishes that would set her apart from the crowd. But she has real star quality. A presence. Marilyn was so luminous that you couldn’t stop looking at her onscreen. Though Nastassja looks nothing like her she has that kind of notable charisma as well.
Come to think of it, Nastassja had an affair with Polanski. If I’m not mistaken, she was also under age. But I guess no one made a big deal about it cuz it was “consensual”. (Those decadent Europeans, you know…*snort*) But I discovered an old interview where Nastassja said he was a lousy lay. She didn’t put it in those terms but that’s clearly what she was going for.
He would be. The perv.
But thank you for the lovely compliments, Alexander.
I will treasure them always…